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Deliberate self-harm in adolescents: hopelessness, depression, problems and problem-solving
1Child and Family Therapy Clinic, 18/19 St Johns Street, Mansfield, , U.K.
Journal of Adolescence
|December 1, 1996
Summary
Adolescent overdose is linked to severe family and school problems, with hopelessness being a key factor beyond depression. Overcoming these issues may require addressing problem-solving deficits.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Adolescent Medicine
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Adolescent overdose is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding the multifaceted issues contributing to overdose is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the type and severity of problems in adolescents who have taken overdoses.
- To assess the roles of hopelessness, depression, and perceived parental understanding.
- To investigate the perception of overdose as a problem-solving mechanism.
Main Methods:
- Study of a cohort of adolescents with overdose history.
- Measurement of hopelessness, depression, and perceived parental understanding.
- Qualitative examination of overdose as a coping strategy.
Main Results:
- Hopelessness emerged as a significant independent variable in adolescent self-harm, distinct from depression levels.
- Adolescents reported widespread severe problems, especially in family relationships and academic settings.
- Deficits in problem-solving abilities were linked to the severity of problems and hopelessness.
Conclusions:
- Hopelessness is a critical factor in adolescent self-harm and overdose.
- Interventions should address severe family and school-related issues.
- Therapeutic strategies may benefit from targeting problem-solving deficits in this population.